Hebburn on the brink of title glory

HEBBURN Town assistant manager Mark Hudson praised the professionalism of his side as they moved to within one win of the Northern Premier League East title against Belper Town.

A first-half Dean Briggs brace added to an early own goal to put the Hornets well on their way to an 11th consecutive win. A late Olly Martin strike only added to an impressive team display from Daniel Moore’s men. Hudson said: “That’s our third game of the week after playing Tuesday and Thursday and we were a bit concerned with what physical condition the players would be in.

“But I thought they were bang at it from the start and all of the damage was done in the first-half to be honest. We’ve trained really hard all season and we said over the last two weeks to put their bodies on the line for this club. They have suffered physically but they’ve been fantastic and we just have to finish the job now.”

The Hornets can now claim the league title with a home win against Ossett United tomorrow.

Stockton Town kept their East Division title hopes alive with a 3-0 home win against struggling Brighouse Town.

It was goalless at half-time but Michael Dunwell’s side took firm control after the break with goals from Glen Butterworth, Kevin Hayes and Michael Fowler.

Dunston UTS secured their highest ever league finish and a place in the play-offs – despite a home loss against relegation threatened Winterton Rangers.

On their long-awaited return to the UTS Stadium, Luke Carr put Jon Mcdonald’s men in front seven minutes before half-time. But second-half strikes from Scott Matthews and Paul Grimes ensured a win for the visitors.

Consett’s disappointing run continued with a 2-1 defeat at Carlton Town as Alex Hardwick and Niall Hylton scored either side of half-time before Wil Shaw pulled one back late on.

Ashington were also beaten as second-half strikes from Alfie Raw and Kwame Boateng condemned the Colliers to a 2-0 loss at Liversedge.

Morpeth Town also emerged empty handed as they lost by the odd goal in five at Premier Division rivals Ilkeston Town.

Danny Barlow and Jack Foalle netted for the Highwaymen but Jonathan Wafula, Tom Cursons and Alex Marshall were all on target as the hosts collected all three points.